That’s what I was thinking but pulled back due to the age of the tank. Mine took 40 years to rot out from water in the tank. The wood platform would never had rotten due to diesel saturation lol. It is comforting having a new poly tank. But I didn’t have to cut my tank out. I’d go after the bulkhead prior to cutting a aluminum tank in close quarters.I replaced all wood with laminated 3/4 plywood encapsulated in epoxy. It now holds the tank and 4 batts.Twenty year old aluminum fuel tank. Suspected rotting boards support of tank. what is cause of rot?
If fuel then the tank is leaking. Empty and remove.
If water than likely a fuel leak in not fat behind.
For every 10 gallons of fuel you have about 80 pounds of weight. if not secured when to sail the tank will move about. It will either damage other things in the boat or puncture and leak fuel into the boat. Both scenarios are bad news.
As a DIY project it is like a 4-4.5 task requiring some careful engineering. perhaps it is time to discuss the idea with local marina repair shop.
Wouldn’t you have to do this anyway to get the new tank in even if you cut the old tank up to get it out?The only other option that I am aware of is to cut an access opening in the rear bulkhead in the aft cabin. I believe there are other discussions on this site regarding replacing the fuel tank that address the issue .
Looks like autocorrect was not your friend this morning, my friend.fuel leak in not fat behind.
You would if you went with the same configuration of tank but there is an 18 gallon stock tank that will go in through the top of the compartment with some slight adjustments. Other option is to have a custom tank fabricated.Wouldn’t you have to do this anyway to get the new tank in even if you cut the old tank up to get it out?